Gérard Wigmana, “the Courtship,” Oil On Panel, Signed, 1740

Gérard Wigmana, “The Courtship,” oil on panel, signed, 1740

Gerard Wigmana (1673-1741), The painting by Gerard Wigmana, made in 1740 and signed at lower left, is a fine example of 18th-century Flemish painting. It is an oil on panel depicting a genre scene, typical of the Flemish tradition, characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a strong narrative charge.

The work depicts an elegantly dressed young woman, wearing an ornate yellow bodice and a white blouse, holding a bunch of grapes. Next to her, a man wearing a red cap and rich clothes is depicted in a confident attitude and seems to be courting her. The background suggests an interior setting, with an opening on the left hinting at a window and soft light illuminating the scene.

The elements on the table, such as the fruit basket with grapes and peaches, add strong symbolism, evoking themes of abundance, desire, and perhaps even moral allusions typical of the period. The colorful draperies, rendered with meticulous attention to detail, lend an additional touch of luxury and depth to the image.

The composition is balanced and lively, with skillful use of light to highlight characters and objects, hallmarks of Wigmana's style and Flemish art of the time.

Measurements: Framed 39.5 x 33 / Board 29 x 23 cm.